Corporate Ecosystem Services Review Training: Adelaide

Download flyer (PDF, 151 Kb).

Companies depend on the services that healthy ecosystems provide such as freshwater, wood, water purification, pollination, natural hazard protection, among others. Degradation of these “ecosystem services,” therefore, can pose a number of risks to corporate performance as well as create new business opportunities. Unfortunately, many companies often fail to make the connection between the health of the ecosystems and the business bottom line.

The Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) is a structured methodology that helps managers develop strategies to manage their risks and opportunities arising from their company’s dependence and impacts on ecosystems. It was developed by World Resource Institute in cooperation with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Meridian Institute. Since its launch in March 2008, over thirty corporations have implemented the ESR and scores of others are gearing-up to use the methodology. As a result, demand for consultants with expertise in ecosystem services is on the rise. This training will provide consultants with detailed information about this powerful new methodology.

The training session will provide guidance on conducting ESRs based on several companies’ applications of the methodology:

• Akzo Nobel used the ESR to inform site location strategies in Asia
• BC Hydro ran an ESR on a commissioned hydroelectric power plant, improving its management
• Mondi reviewed their FSC certified plantations, developing several profitable strategies

• Syngenta conducted an ESR for small farmers in India and developed new strategic ideas

• Supply Chains: Several firms are using the ESR to analyze and develop supply chain management strategies related to ecosystem service-based risks and opportunities

• Product Development: The Review is being woven into product design and innovation processes
• EMS: From plant management to environmental impact assessments, the ESR is helping several firms improve and enhance existing practices
• Benchmarking: Some companies are using the ESR to enhance their environmental performance goals, matrices, and monitoring

For more information contact Harpinder Sandhu at Harpinder.Sandhu@csiro.au.